Cleared Conscience, Open Communion
Returning the extra change at the counter, a small picture of a conscience made quiet by love.
Devotional Credit: His Victorious Indwelling, Luke 19:8-9 with reflections by George Mueller and Edward Dennett, compiled by Nick Harrison
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Zacchaeus did not bargain with Jesus. Grace visited his house, and something new sprang up inside him. He stood and said he would give and repay. Not to earn a place at the table. Because the Lord had already brought salvation home. Today’s page reminds me that restitution is not a side topic. It is what love looks like when the Spirit turns us toward the people we have wronged.
George Mueller gets practical. If it lies within our power to make something right, we should attend to it, even if it costs us. Where it cannot be done directly, give to the Lord’s work for the good of others. His story of a man who delayed for twenty years and carried a restless conscience rings true. Peace often waits on obedience.
Edward Dennett adds a gentle line. Until the soul is at peace and in liberty, divine things cannot be communicated. That helps me. Communion is not about warm feelings. It is about walking in the light with Jesus and with people, which clears the channel for love to flow again. When the Spirit nudges us toward a phone call, a message, or repayment, He is not dragging us back under law. He is guiding us into the freedom we already possess in the Anointed One.
Thank you, Nick Harrison, for gathering voices that keep us honest and hopeful. In the abiding life, we do not repair the past to gain acceptance. We are accepted in Jesus, so we repair what we can as an expression of His life in us. Conscience grows quiet. Fellowship grows warm. The house feels like home again.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am the Holy Spirit, and I dwell in you because you are in Jesus. I bear witness that you are God’s child. I do not accuse you, since there is no condemnation in the Messiah. I do, however, lead you into truth so your conscience is clear. I write the law of love on your heart, and I turn you toward the people you have harmed so that peace can rule in your heart and in the house.
When I bring someone to mind, I also supply what you need. I work in you to will and to do the Father’s good pleasure. I teach you to put away falsehood and to put on the new self, created after God in true righteousness and holiness. If money is owed, I nudge you to repay and to labor with your hands so that you may have to share. If words have wounded, I form gentleness and truth in your mouth, seasoned with grace. If reconciliation requires courage, I remind you that the life you now live you live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you.
Restitution does not purchase forgiveness. The blood of Jesus has already secured your standing. Restitution is love walking across the street. It is worship in motion. As you present yourself to God, a living sacrifice, I renew your mind. I make you ready to go first, to confess, to restore, to make amends where possible. This is not heavy yoke. This is freedom working through love.
Walk in the light. Keep step with Me. Let the peace of the Anointed rule in your heart as you move toward others. I will order your steps, open a door, and give you words that fit the moment. I will quiet your heart with the Father’s delight, and I will stitch your relationships with the thread of grace.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of noticing that a cashier gave you too much change. You feel the coins in your hand. You see the receipt. You could keep walking, but you turn back to the counter and set the extra on the tray. The tension lifts as soon as you return it. The air feels clean again.
Making things right often looks just like that. The Spirit of Jesus in you moves you to turn back and set something down that never belonged in your pocket. If there is a name or a debt on your mind today, you might say, Lord, I trust You to walk me back to that counter, to speak plainly, and to settle this with Your grace through me. Then send the payment, own the words, or schedule the visit. Let the Lord handle the outcome while you enjoy the clean air of a quiet conscience.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am forgiven, accepted, and made new. Thank You that the Holy Spirit lives in me and inclines me toward truth in the inner person. Thank You that courage, wisdom, and provision already belong to me in Your Son. I receive Your peace as I act in love. I rejoice that restitution flows from union, not from fear. Today belongs to You, and I am glad to walk in the light.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Luke 19:8-9. Romans 8:1-4. Romans 6:4-11. Galatians 2:20. Colossians 3:12-17. Ephesians 4:22-32. Philippians 2:12-13. Romans 12:1-2. Acts 24:16. Matthew 5:23-24. James 5:16. Leviticus 6:4-5. Numbers 5:6-7. Exodus 22:1-4. Proverbs 14:9. Romans 13:8-10. Titus 2:11-14. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11. Ephesians 2:8-10. Colossians 4:5-6.